Foreign Affairs committee  We wouldn't have given them more than what we were assessed. So there's an example of money—

Foreign Affairs committee  If this legislation passes as expected, then we would have the new department created as of the date of royal assent. Essentially that means there would be a number of issues for day one that need to be addressed, whether they relate to the expenditure management process, for exa

Foreign Affairs committee  I think it is in fact a very accurate reflection of how this could work in relation to international development as well. In day-to-day terms, under the current DFAIT act—the legislation for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade—the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs committee  If I may, Mr. Chair, I'll just add a couple of comments because I think it's an important question. We are in, as my colleague pointed out, the planning stages right now. There is an opportunity now, as I stated in my opening remarks—and in fact not only an opportunity but a des

Foreign Affairs committee  Chair, I have a couple comments on that—I'm sorry.

Foreign Affairs committee  I think it was the day after or a couple of days after the budget that I sat down with all of the bargaining agents within the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and we discussed this announcement. We have undertaken to ensure that we continue to communicate, i

Foreign Affairs committee  Let me just make a couple of comments on that—

Foreign Affairs committee  I'll ask my colleague to start, then I'll maybe jump in, if that's okay, Mr. Chair.

Foreign Affairs committee  I would agree with the comments of my distinguished colleague. I wouldn't add anything more than that.

Foreign Affairs committee  On the first part of that question, it's not a question I can answer, because I don't know. As I said, there's budget secrecy, and the budget was being developed under the Department of Finance, so in terms of any level of consultation it's not something I can comment on in advan

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, what I can say is that I was informed that this was in the works as a possible item for the budget a few days before. The exact number of days I can't say, but just a couple of days before. The only reason for that is some early planning in terms of—when I say early, a

Foreign Affairs committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair and honourable members. We have a brief statement and then we'll be happy to take your questions. On March 21, as part of Canada's economic action plan 2013, the government announced that it would amalgamate the Canadian International Development

International Trade committee  There's a decrease of $32.9 million year over year.

International Trade committee  That's correct.